Cell Transport

Front

What is a hypotonic environment?

Back

A hypotonic environment is one where the percentage of water is higher outside the cell than inside the cell, causing water to enter the cell and potentially leading to cell bursting.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, such as the smell of baking cookies spreading throughout a house.

Front

What happens when swollen gums are rinsed with salt water?

Back

The water in the gums moves out due to the high concentration of salt in the solution, reducing swelling.

Front

Why does a red blood cell burst in pure water but a plant leaf cell does not?

Back

The plant leaf cell has a cell wall that provides structural support and prevents bursting, while the red blood cell lacks this structure.

Front

What occurs when a cell that is 95% water is placed in a 100% water solution?

Back

The cell will swell because water enters it.

Front

Define osmosis.

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

What is the role of the cell membrane in transport?

Back

The cell membrane regulates what enters and exits the cell, maintaining homeostasis.

Front

Explain active transport.

Back

Active transport is the movement of molecules across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP).

Front

What is a hypertonic solution?

Back

A hypertonic solution has a higher concentration of solutes outside the cell than inside, causing water to leave the cell and leading to cell shrinkage.

Front

What is facilitated diffusion?

Back

Facilitated diffusion is the process of passive transport of molecules across a cell membrane via specific transmembrane proteins.